Following this, the negotiations began between Xaro Xhoan Daxos and Jon, posing as Aeloros. The negotiations were not very complicated. Only two things had to be discussed.
The first was the price per barrel. Infiltration and not business not being Jon's main purpose, he did not hassle much and even granted a slightly lower price than the marketplace.
He easily explained that since he got his barrels directly from the factory, he avoided a lot of logistics and paperwork, reducing his cost price. And since he wanted a long term and stable partnership, he was willing to take a slight loss.
Xaro Xhoan Daxos was very happy about this, and he felt that his fortunes were changing again. It was first stroke of good luck, he had received in months.
The other matter to be discussed was the quantity of supply. One hundred barrels per week was what Jon promised initially, and if demand exceeded even more, he promised he could raise it up to 150 barrels each week.
The negotiations were completed with ease, and even the payment for the first batch Jon had delivered was made to him.
"It is a pleasure doing business with you, Aeloros," Xaro remarked as he took a sip of his drink. It was a little celebration of their successful cooperation and the beginning of a new relationship.
"Same here, Lord Xaro," Jon replied.
"There is one thing that I want to talk with you about," Jon said in a slightly serious tone, and Xaro narrowed his eyes. "Preferably in private."
Before Xaro could say anything, Jon added, "If you wish, you can surely inform your trusted aide about it later."
Xaro thought for a moment and nodded. Xleucs got the signal and rose, leaving the private chamber. Melisandre too followed suit, though it did not matter, as she was already aware of what Jon was about to say. It was simply to put on a show.
"What is it that you want to talk about, Aeloros?" Xaro questioned as soon as the doors of the room were closed.
"Lord Xaro," Jon said. "Though this might be a bit uncomfortable, I believe that discussing this matter right now is the best choice."
A frown appeared on Xaro's face, but he did not interrupt.
"I am not an expert in politics," Jon continued. "But even so, as a merchant, there are things and scenarios I am able to make out. It is true that as a member of the Council of Thirteen you are one of the most powerful people in the entire city, but there are surely others more powerful and influential than you."
"And I also understand that while the lot of you might be colleagues even friends; greed, envy, and jealousy often run high in such circles."
"The city of Qarth is filled with powerful, influential and rich people. The power centres in this city are myriad."
"And Lord Xaro, once you start selling alcohol, you will begin raking in gold, and this will surely make your colleagues and competitors very nervous. Such nervousness and fear of being surpassed often force people to take unexpected decisions and actions. Actions which might be intended to bring you down, to harm your business or maybe even harm you."
"My words might seem a bit harsh and even appear as if I am doubting your abilities, but I cannot neglect the truth in front of me. I have decided to partner with you because I trust you but this is an issue which must be discussed."
"Lord Xaro, I wonder if you are understanding what I am trying to imply?" Jon questioned.
Xaro nodded, "I am. And you are definitely not wrong."
"Then may I ask," Jon pressed, "if you have thought this through and if such a crisis comes your way, have you planned any response?"
"Aeloros," Xaro replied with a small smile. "I appreciate your effort and thoughtfulness in bringing this topic directly to me. And I also applaud you for your perspective."
"But I have not risen from being a starving child to this position by being naive. I know very well what people think and how they might react under certain circumstances. I am fully capable of protecting my and your interests. No one will be able to bring down my business or me."
"You can rest assured on this matter," he added, with finality in his tone.
"It seems you enjoy the support of some powerful people, Lord Xaro," Jon remarked.
"Why do you think this is not merely my power, and that I am relying on someone?" Xaro questioned with a frown.
"I do not deny your power," Jon smiled. "Just an intuition."
The frown on Xaro's face only deepened and he did not reply to that.
"Is there something more you want to say?" he asked.
Jon shook his head. "No."
"I will be staying in the city for some time," Jon added. "Hopefully we can meet again."
Xaro nodded. "You must visit my mansion sometime."
"See you." With those departing words, Xaro left the private chamber. A couple of moments later Jon departed as well.
"What do you think?" Melisandre asked once they were on their way back to their room.
"He surely is in cahoots with someone powerful. He was very confident," Jon replied. "But whether it is some warlock or some other person, I am not sure."
"We will find out," Melisandre said. "I also have a feeling that Xaro is our way to the House of the Undying."
"He is," Jon said. "But I cannot waste a lot of time here. Two more weeks. That is all I am willing to stay."
"If we are still not able to find anything by that time, then we will take another route."
"But if warlocks have got their powers, it could be too dangerous," Melisandre countered.
"They might be," Jon agreed. "But we can still escape."
"Yes," Melisandre nodded. "But it might expose that you can use magic. Even if they would not know our identity, we still would not want to reveal out trump card so soon."
"Let us return to the inn," Jon said. "I will try and see if a bird can enter the building."
For the past days, Jon had also been trying to warg into a bird and then infiltrate the House of the Undying. He had not been able to gather much. He had only been able to observe the outer perimeter of the House of the Undying and had not noticed anything unusual. The building had very few windows, and breaching it to move inside was almost impossible.
"Maybe you should try Xaro's mansion," Melisandre suggested.
"I did last time," Jon sighed. "But a guard immediately noticed the bird and almost killed it with his spear."
"I will give it one more shot today," he added further.
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